C2 Potmetal: Restore or repop

[Andre R.]

Hello everyone,

I plan on restoring my original 66 coupe. As the car is a one owner low mile original my plan is to restore all parts that are still serviceable rather than purchase new ones. I am seeking opinions on pot metal items such as tail & parking lights, exhaust bezels. These parts are structurally sound but moderately pitted. Has anyone had success in restoring or should i just purchase repro's.

Thanks,
Andre

[Steven B.]

Re: C2 Potmetal: Restore or repop

I know a number of folks have sent pitted parts, some very badly pitted and missing pieces, to Pauls Chrome in PA and they have come out very nice.

[Stephen L.]

Re: C2 Potmetal: Restore or repop

I purchased repop taillight chrome for my 67. Items as good/better than original. $50 ea. I suggest you purchase in person to view quality.....
I attempted to reuse everything when doing my frame off. Accomplished that goal most of the time thru restoration of the parts.

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 Potmetal: Restore or repop

I know a number of folks have sent pitted parts, some very badly pitted and missing pieces, to Pauls Chrome in PA and they have come out very nice.

I agree with Steven that Paul's Chrome, in Mars, PA has some very nice looking work. While I have never used them, they show their work at Carlisle and it is really quite amazing what they can do to some pretty nasty metal. A few folks in our Pittsburgh chapter have used them, I believe.

Gary

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 Potmetal: Restore or repop

I think you need to review your budget for the restoration of your car and your goals. Restoring pot metal parts can get very expensive. The voids in the metal have to be filled before plating. Can it be done sure is it worth it I don't know. You might want to check out some of the reproduction stuff first. The repro tail lights I put in my car look pretty good and probably cost 1/2 the replating. The reproduction spinners on 63 wheel covers are very good and I had a platter tell me he couldn't reproduce the factory finish in his shop.

[Michael L.]

Re: C2 Potmetal: Restore or repop

I agree on looking at the budget. When I looked at chrome for my '55, I priced out reproduction vs. re-plating. In most cases, re-plating was cheaper for me. The grill bar and teeth are the only thing that was less expensive to buy. One thing to remember, when you replate or restore, if your plater is not top notch, you can lose detail and edges on pieces. I also agree on being able to see the piece before you buy a repro, some are not the best. I was shocked to see how much plating has increased over the years. It has become the single most expensive item on my '55 restoration.

Mike